China’s mega London embassy to go ahead after High Court blocks challenge Politics Plans for a new Chinese super embassy in central London will go ahead after the High Court blocked a challenge to the controversial site. The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA) had initiated legal action against the government’s housing department and Tower Hamlets council over concerns the embassy could enforce “draconian” Chinese laws in the [...]
The City has the key that can unlock growth in every postcode Opinion Growth depends on a stable and competitive tax system, streamlined planning and proportionate regulation and the City will work with the new government to create those conditions, says Chris Hayward Now that the Burnham government is in place, the Prime Minister’s new Cabinet inherits a formidable set of challenges: regional inequality, stretched public finances, sluggish productivity and flatlining living standards. Addressing these challenges will require sustainable growth and unleashing entrepreneurial energy across the country. [...]
Healey: Squeezed businesses also need ‘breathing space’ Politics Chancellor John Healey has said he is “just as concerned” by costs facing businesses as those facing households, adding that bosses also required “breathing space” to manage burdens from energy, labour and supply chains. Echoing Andy Burnham’s pledge to provide “breathing space” on the cost of living, Healey said he would aim to ease cost [...]
The Square Mile art gallery with amazing free exhibitions July 21, 2026 This Square Mile gallery is hosting free exhibitions throughout the summer You might have noticed a group of twenty-something students and creative types gathering in an art gallery at 130 Fenchurch Street recently – if you’ve wondered what’s going on there, the first bit of good news is you’re welcome to join in too. The [...]
The City doesn’t compete with Britain’s regions – it competes for them July 20, 2026 The City has never been an island, it has always been a bridge, connecting Britain with the world, channelling global capital into British innovation, and driving prosperity in every corner of the country, says Dame Susan Langley As Lady Mayor of the City of London, my role is to be the ambassador for UK financial [...]
City policy chair: Blocking skyscrapers is deeply disappointing July 13, 2026 Ministers’ decision to delay the City Plan over proposed skyscrapers near Tower Bridge is a blow to growth, says Chris Hayward Britain says it wants growth. Yet one of the country’s most important local plans has been sent back for further examination after already undergoing years of consultation, scrutiny and independent review. This delay, issued via a ministerial [...]
Tale of two cities: London leaps ahead in global finance but domestic growth stalls July 3, 2026 The City of London has cemented its dominance in international finance ten years on from the Brexit vote but faced sobering domestic growth that failed to match the momentum. The capital sees more international activity conducted than the next eight largest financial centres in Europe combined, according to a new report by New Financial. The [...]
Sky Garden is throwing late night parties this summer July 2, 2026 Iconic skyscraper the Sky Garden is throwing a series of summer parties with a Havana theme. With a licence stretching into the early hours, and live DJs throughout the evening from the ALR Music collective, the nights aim to bring “the rhythm, colour and late-night energy of Cuba’s capital” to the 36 floor rooftop. The [...]
City firms send workers home as heatwave melts London June 24, 2026 City firms have told their workers to stay away from the office this week as London is hit with a record June heatwave. Several multinational companies headquartered in the Square Mile have advised their employees to consider remote work in a bid to dodge the sweltering heat. Banking giant JP Morgan Chase is the biggest [...]
City festival with comedy and line dancing arrives in Square Mile June 24, 2026 Line dancing, comedy and a panel discussion entitled “Shit I’m in my 30’s: What’s the plan for retirement?” are some of the events taking place at the Leadenhall Building this summer, as the annual Leadenhall Live festival returns. Running 23 June – 16 July, the festival programmes more than 30 events over the course of [...]